This is the 68ft 'living wall' that experts say will help prevent central London from flooding during Britain's heavy downpours.

Containing more than 10,000 ferns and herbaceous plants, the wall near Victoria station will collect rainwater which falls onto the roof of the building and use it nourish the greenery.

The result will be an eye-catching garden which brightens up the popular tourist route, near The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, and stop it from flooding.

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Green space: The 68ft 'living wall' near Victoria station in London has now been completed

Garden of Eden: The wall contains more than 10,000 plants and flowers

Finishing touches: It is hoped the plants and flowers will help prevent flooding in the busy tourist area

Containingmore than 20 seasonal plant species including buttercups, crocuses, strawberries, spring bulbs and winter geraniums, the wall required 16 tons of soil and will be capable of storing up to10,000 litres of water.

Head for heights: The project has been backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson who wants to encourage more 'green initiatives'

The project, backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, was launched with the aim of tackling a key environmental challenge in the capital.

According to the Environment Agency, there are around 534,000 properties in London on the Thames floodplain - and one in four are at risk of flooding.This is partly due to the low absorbency of urban surfaces.